Streaming: Up to 30 minutes footage can be recorded and viewed diretly on a computer

Video Girl can capture up to 30 minutes of footage and the video can be downloaded and streamed live to a computer. There is no indication it can be streamed directly to the internet.

The alert was written in the U.S. for law agencies only, but was mistakenly sent to media outlets in Seattle.

Agent Steve Dupre told CNN: 'It was an inadvertent dissemination of the document.

'There have been no reported incidents of this doll being used as anything other than as intended.'

William Porress, from Tacoma, Washington, said he would not buy one of the dolls for his six-year-old granddaughter.

'That plays into these people who prey upon our children's ideals. It frightens me.

'Oh, she would love it, but she's more important to me than a giggle on Christmas morning.'

A statement from Mattel Inc, which makes the doll, said: 'The FBI is not reporting that anything has happened. Steve Dupre from the FBI Sacramento field office has confirmed there have been no incidents of this doll being used as anything other than its intent.

'Mattel products are designed with children and their best interests in mind. Many of Mattel's employees are parents themselves and we understand the importance of child safety - it is our number one priority.'

The Barbie doll, which costs $49.99 (£32), is aimed at children six and above and has been nominated for the 2011 Toy of the Year Award.